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Clara's POV
I barely slept that night. My pillow was damp, my heart pounding. I kept replaying Fabian's words in my head. Maybe I had expected too much from someone who never really saw me.
When morning came, my eyes were swollen, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get through the day unnoticed. I walked into the class late, praying no one would notice how awful I looked. But of course, whispers always followed me.
I could feel Fabian's eyes on me, not with care, but that same empty pride he carried everywhere. I tried to focus on the board, but every part of me felt heavy.
Then, unexpectedly, I heard a calm voice behind me. "It's actually the second option," he whispered.
I turned slightly; it was the new guy. His eyes were calm, not mocking like the others. I nodded and managed to thank him. That was the first time anyone had spoken to me in days without pity or judgment. His tone lingered in my head longer than it should have.
Lunch was worse. I had barely eaten half my sandwich when Fabian walked in holding Trisha's hand. I froze. My stomach turned when she kissed him in front of everyone. The hall fell silent for a moment, then laughter and whispers filled the air. I heard someone ask if they were dating, and Fabian said yes. Just like that.
Something inside me broke quietly. I pushed my tray away and left before anyone could see the tears forming in my eyes. I just needed to breathe.
I found myself in the back garden, arms folded, staring at nothing. Then I heard footsteps.
"Clara," the voice said softly.
I turned. It was the new guy again. His expression wasn't pity. It was something else. Concern, maybe.
"Hey, new guy," I said, forcing a smile, "what are you doing here?"
"Just getting to know the environment." He replied.
I tried to leave, but he held my hand. His palm was warm against mine, his touch was soft yet firm.
"Don't go," he said quietly, "I'd like to know you."
I gave a weak smile. "I'm sorry…" I didn't know his name.
"Caleb. Caleb Hale," he said.
"I'm sorry, Caleb, but I am in a relationship."
"With who? Fabian? That asshole?" he asked, almost teasing
I froze. It was meant to be a secret. How did the new guy know? I wanted to ask, but he reached out and wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb.
"You don't understand," I whispered. "He is just trying to protect me."
Caleb's eyes searched mine. "Do you believe that?" Caleb asked
Silence filled the air. I wanted to believe it, but I couldn't. I didn't answer.
"If you really want him," He said after a pause, "I can make him come to you."
I wondered how he planned to do that. Fabian has a mind of his own. No one could make him do what he doesn't want to do.
"If he wants to play games, then maybe you should too. You don't always have to let him win." He continued.
I blinked. "How?"
Caleb smiled slightly. "Make him jealous, make him see what he is about to lose."
His words hit something in me. Make Fabian jealous? It sounded ridiculous to me. But there was something about Caleb's tone; it was steady, low, confident, and it made my chest tighten.
For the first time in a few days, I actually laughed and said, "I don't think I can do that."
"You can, Clara." He said softly. His gaze never leaves me. "You just don't know it yet."
But why is he so interested in helping me? Was this some kind of game?
"Why would you want to help me? What is in it for you?" I asked him
He was silent for a moment, then he shrugged, his eyes still gentle. "Maybe I just hate seeing people cry for the wrong person."
I didn't know if his plan would work, and I didn't want to be humiliated again. "Thank you, Caleb, I appreciate the effort, but I can't," I said as I turned to leave.
After school, I went to the field. The football team had started practice. Soon, people came trooping in. I want to leave. I needed quiet. My eyes caught Caleb. He looked different on the field, focused, sharp, and confident.
Fabian approached him, and they talked for a moment. I wondered what they were saying. Caleb moved to the other end of the field. The match began, and everything changed.
Caleb moved like he had done this his whole life, calm, controlled, and confident. He scored his third goal, and the field erupted.
"Caleb is too good." Someone shouted from the back of the crowd
"I think we found a new Captain." Another said.
"Fabian's got competition." A few laughed.
I watched quietly from the stands, and for the first time, my eyes weren't on Fabian. They were on Caleb. His confidence wasn't loud, it was steady and real. Something about the way he moved made me forget to breathe.
I thought about what he said earlier. Will making Fabian jealous get him to announce our relationship?
After the match, everyone gathered around him, patting his shoulder, calling his name. He smiled, but his eyes suddenly shifted to me.
He saw me standing alone by the fence, small compared to the crowd around him. I waved at him. For a moment, the noise faded. He started walking towards me, gently pushing through the crowd. The closer he came, the louder my heartbeat grew.
"Okay," I said as soon as he reached me, barely looking up. "I have thought about it. Your proposal and I'm in."
His lips curved slightly. Then, without another word, his hands slipped around my waist, pulling me closer. His touch was steady but firm, his breath brushing my skin. I felt my heart race.
"Caleb," I whispered, but before I could say another word, his lips were on mine .
It wasn't gentle; it was deep, certain, like he had waited for this moment. The noise around us vanished. My heart beat raced. I tried to resist at first, but then I gave in. his hands pressed against my small back, drawing me closer.
When he pulled away, I was breathless. My lips tingled, my body trembling. I haven't been kissed that way before, and definitely not in public.
"What was that for?" I whispered.
His eyes were dark and unreadable. He leaned closer, his voice low enough for me to hear.
"Lesson number one," he said. "If you want to make him jealous, make him really jealous."
I didn't know what to say.
As we turned to leave, I felt every eye on us. I was scared at first, then Caleb held my hand, his fingers locked against mine.
"You are with me now," he said quietly, "No one will say anything."
My eyes darted across the crowd and landed on Fabian. He stood frozen beside Trisha, both staring like they'd just seen a ghost.
Caleb walked me home.
"How about shopping tomorrow after school?" He asked with a faint smile. "If we want to make him jealous, we have to work on your choice of outfit."
"Nothing is wrong with what I wear," I said, glancing down at my dress.
"I know," he replied softly. "You look beautiful. But if you want to get Fabian's attention, we have to make you a hottie."
"You mean dress like Trisha and her minions? I'll pass." I said almost mockingly.
"Do you really want Fabian?" He asked
"Yes, I do. You know I do." I replied
"Then you have to listen to everything I say. No debate."
I hesitated, then said, "I don't know, Caleb."
He smiled faintly, "Don't worry, you will see."